“What’s up with you?” I ask as we stand on our mats.
“Nothing.” She scoffs. That’s a clear sign she’s telling me a fib.
“I don’t buy it.”
“There is literally nothing going on,” she says, stretching her arms above her head. “What’s going on with you?”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Why does your voice sound like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like Mickey Mouse?”
She shrugs. “Maybe I’m coming down with something.”
I watch her for a moment more, then turn my attention to Fallon. We’re quiet today as we move from pose to pose, breathing and centering. One of the things I love most about Fallon’s class is that she incorporates guided meditation, which makes me feel completely grounded by the time class is over.
“Namaste, friends,” Fallon says as we finish up.
“Namaste,” we reply in unison.
“You know what would feel good?” Jenna asks. “Sunshine. We haven’t seen sunshine in forever.”
“Have your rich fiancé take you somewhere sunny,” I suggest, but she just smiles that strange smile. “Okay, you’re acting really weird today.”
“Gotta go,” she says, kissing my cheek then waving as she jogs off to her car.
Is she pregnant? Morning drinking?
I shake my head, climb into the Rover, and drive toward home. I love that the sale is over, and the shop has slowed down a bit. With my two new employees, Brittney and Melanie, catching on so quickly, I can go home, take a leisurely shower, and roll into work whenever I like.
God bless my mom for recommending that I hire both of them.
I frown when I see Max’s car parked in front of my house but then get a little excited. I have plenty of time to squeeze in some sexy time before work today.
I climb out of the car as he joins me and pulls me in for a long, deep kiss.
“Well, good morning to you, too,” I murmur when he pulls back.
“I have a surprise for you,” he says.
“What’s that?”
“We’re going on vacation.”
I blink, staring at him, sure I’ve heard him wrong. “What?”
“Vacation,” he repeats. “I’ve packed you a bag, and the plane is ready to go.”
“You packed for me?”
“What you’ll need, yes. Come on, trust me.”
“I need to call Jean and let her know. And my mom, ask her to cover for me at the shop—”
“All done,” he replies with a smile. “Jean knows where we’ll be and how to reach us at all times. And your mom is filling in for you at the shop. It’s all set.”
“I need a shower.”
“You have thirty minutes.” He kisses me again, softer this time. “I need some time alone with you. In the sunshine.”
In the sunshine.
That’s why Jenna was being weird! She knew.
“Do I get to know where we’re going?”
“When we get there, yes,” he says and plants a quick kiss on my lips then smacks my ass. “Now, get in the shower so we can get this show on the road.”
“Are we really going in your private plane?”
“It’s the only way to fly.”
Chapter Fifteen
~Willa~
I’M ONE HUNDRED PERCENT sure I’ve found heaven.
It’s located just south of San Diego at a resort nestled on the cliffs above the ocean. I’m sitting poolside with a Coke, extra ice, at my elbow and a book in my hand. Of course, I’m under the shade of an umbrella because I haven’t seen the sun in several months and I don’t want to burn.
The Pacific Ocean is spread out before me in deep blue splendor. The wind is minimal, so the waves are mild and soothing.
I haven’t seen any whales yet, but I’m keeping an eye out.
My phone vibrates with a text.
Jenna: So, did you make it down there safely?
I smirk, set my book aside, and settle in to chat with my best friend.
Me: Yes. You totally knew! That’s why you were acting weird this morning.
The three dots wink at me as she types a reply, so I take a sip of my Coke and glance at Max, who’s sitting next to me, sans umbrella, absorbed in whatever is happening on his laptop.
Apparently, this is vacation for me, but while I rest, he’s working.
I have a feeling work is relaxing for Max, though.
Jenna: Of course, I knew! And I can’t keep secrets from you. I shouldn’t have gone to yoga.
I laugh.
Me: You are a horrible liar! But it was a fantastic surprise. Hold on, I’ll take a photo of what I’m doing right now.
I snap a photo of my toes with the pool and ocean beyond in the frame and send it to her.
Jenna: I hate you. That looks AMAZING!
Me: It is. So warm! I had no idea that Max owns a condo down here.
“You okay?” Max asks me.
“Oh, yeah, I’m just texting with Jenna.” I tell him all about yoga this morning, and he laughs. “She’s not good at keeping secrets from me. We never have to. We tell each other everything.”
“I’ll remember that in the future,” he says with a grin. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Are you kidding? No one is asking me for anything. I don’t have to pick anyone up, drop them off, fix them dinner, or clean up puppy accidents. I may never want to leave.”
His lips twitch. “You love those things.”
“I do,” I admit as my phone buzzes with another text from Jenna. “And I’ll love them when I get home. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the break.”
“Excellent,” he replies. “I’m going for a swim.”
“Enjoy.”
He leans over and kisses me before peeling his shirt over his head and diving into the deep end of the pool.
Holy shit. Max without a shirt on is something to write home about. He’s tanned and firm.
Firm. Muscles for days. Abs that would make a Greek god weep with joy. And the V at his hips?
Ridiculous. Just ridiculous. Max does things to my lady parts that haven’t even been invented yet. How does he do it?
Sexy powers, that’s what he has.
I lick my lips and pick up the phone.
Jenna: Max owns property all over. We should use his place in NYC sometime and go shopping! We could call it a business trip for you.
Me: That’s not a bad idea at all! We will do that.
Jenna: Okay, go have fun. Enjoy the sun! I don’t want to know about the rest. ;)
I set the phone aside, take another sip of my Coke, then pick up the book I’ve been reading by Jennifer Probst. I don’t get to read often, but when I do, romance is my go-to.
But the warm, fresh air is soothing, and the sound of the water makes my eyes heavy. So, before long, I set my book aside and just lazily watch Max swim his laps and the ocean waves beyond. I don’t remember the last time I felt this pampered, this relaxed.
This treasured.
I admit, Max did good. He listened when I said I needed a break, and he gave me exactly what I dreamed of: sunshine, a book, and a frosty beverage.
I wonder if we’d be in the Maldives if that’s where I said I wanted to go.
Probably.
I also wonder if women have taken advantage of Max in the past. Or tried, anyway. I’m sure they have, although I really don’t want to think about Max with other women. I mean, I know he wasn’t a recluse when he left town all those years ago. There have been other women.
Ew.
I just don’t want to think about it.
I shove the thought aside and settle in to doze and enjoy the view.
I never fall asleep, and a short time later, Max comes walking out of the pool. Thank the good Lord I’m awake to see that magnificence.
The water sluices down his toned body, making my mouth water. I wonder if I can convince him to go back to his condo with me so we can get naked. It is vacatio
n, after all.
“You look—”
“Lazy?” I ask with a grin. “Spoiled rotten?”
“If this is your definition of spoiled, we have more work to do,” he says, shaking his head.
“I know this is probably small potatoes for you, but it’s a big deal for me,” I remind him. “How long have you owned this place?”
“The resort, or the condo?” he asks with a sly grin.
“You own the whole resort?” I squeak, sitting up in surprise. “Jesus Christ, Max.”
“I bought the condo about four years ago. I wanted a little getaway that wasn’t too far from Montana but was warm in the winter.”
“This fits that bill.”
“I liked the all-inclusive style of this place. There are six restaurants on the property, along with a spa, and charter services for fishing. All kinds of stuff. And half of the property, where my condo is, is privately-owned, while the other side has nightly rentals.”
“Smart,” I say, nodding. “Very smart. This would be a beautiful spot for weddings or reunions. Honeymoons. And I bet those who don’t want or can’t afford to buy a condo but want luxury love coming here.”
“Exactly,” he says. “It’s a notch above a Super 8.”
“A notch or two,” I say with a laugh. “Now, tell me about owning the whole place.”
He shrugs a shoulder as if it’s no big thing.
“It discreetly came up for sale about two years ago. The owners were headed to bankruptcy. I didn’t want it to be sold off and changed. I think this place is special.”
“Were they headed for bankruptcy because of personal reasons, or because the resort was sinking them?”
He tilts his head. “I’m a shrewd businessman, Willa. The resort is turning a nice profit annually. The previous owners mismanaged their money.”
“I never doubted you,” I say and stretch my arms high above my head. “From what I’ve seen of it in the couple of hours we’ve been here, I love it.”
“I’ll show you more,” he promises as he checks the time. “I wanted to get you out to the pool ASAP. But now, we have to go because you have an appointment.”
“I do?” I frown and sip the last of my Coke. “With whom? Are you going to make me sit with your in-house real estate agents and listen to a spiel about becoming an owner in exchange for my stay here?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “No, smartass. I have you set up for a few hours in the spa.”
I feel my eyes widen in surprise as I stand next to him. Before he can tug his shirt over his head, I launch myself into his arms and kiss him hard.
“You’re the best,” I say, brushing my fingers through his hair. “And not just because of all of this. You’re so damn thoughtful and good, Max.”
“Don’t say that too loud. I don’t want the employees to hear you.” He grins and drags his fingertips down my cheek. “You deserve all of this and much more, Wills. But for today, it’s going to be lazy pool sitting and pampering at the spa.”
“Thank you.”
I take his offered hand, and he leads me into the main building, up one flight of the grand staircase, and to the end of a hallway where water falls on either side of wide, glass doors.
Grandview Spa.
“You’ll see why it’s called that in a minute,” he says with a wink, then opens the door for me and leads me through a lobby with another water feature and shelves full of skincare for sale. “When you’re finished, you’re welcome to shop through here and take anything you like. Just let Sarah know.”
“Hi,” a redhead with thick, black-rimmed glasses behind the counter says with a smile. “I’m Sarah. You must be Willa.”
“Nice to meet you,” I reply. Sarah doesn’t stare dreamy-eyed at Max. She’s completely professional and kind as she asks me to disclose any medical concerns.
“This is where I bow out,” Max says, pulling me in for a hug. “Enjoy yourself. Take all the time you want. The only thing not on the menu for you today is massage.”
I frown. “Why?”
“Don’t ask questions.” He kisses my forehead, then turns to Sarah. “She can have anything we offer. Just write it down, and I’ll settle up later. That includes the items in the store.”
“Of course, Mr. Hull,” Sarah says with a polite smile. “If you’ll follow me, we’ll get you a locker and ready to go.”
“See you later,” Max says, then kisses me softly again and walks out.
“Okay, it sounds like I’m all yours,” I say with a grin. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to the spa.”
“I’m excited for you,” Sarah says. “I have a robe for you, along with slippers. Go ahead and stow your things in the locker. You can sit in here.” She leads me into a room that feels like it’s sitting over the ocean.
“Wow.”
“Best view in the resort,” she says with a nod. “So, if you’d like thirty minutes or so in here before we start your treatment, we can accommodate that.”
“Do you have tea?”
“Of course.”
“I’d love that.”
Sarah shows me a menu of services, and I choose a ninety-minute hydration facial and a mani/pedi, then change into my robe and sit in a deep, soft chair facing the water.
Sarah brings me some tea, and for the next thirty minutes, I watch boats float by, surfers try to catch some small waves, and am alone in the quiet with my thoughts.
Other women come and go, sitting for a few minutes before or after their treatments.
It’s a calming, serene space that smells of lavender.
I could live here.
“Willa?”
I turn with a smile. “That’s me.”
“I’m Tia. I’ll be giving you your facial,” she says. She’s a tiny Asian woman with beautiful skin and perfect makeup.
“Thank you. Tia, you might be my favorite person today.”
“I hear that a lot.”
***
I’ve been buffed and polished and pampered silly. After my facial, Sarah delivered an amazing late lunch of Caesar salad with smoked salmon and chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
I don’t know what I did in this life to deserve all of this goodness, but I hope I keep doing it.
Not to mention, Max is going to get the blowjob of his life tonight.
I giggle as I ride the elevator up to Max’s condo, still wearing the robe Sarah gave me earlier. I decided to keep it.
When I say condo, the word doesn’t do the place justice. Max’s space is the penthouse, spanning a ton of square footage. It feels way bigger than my house. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor living space with views of the ocean that I plan to spend some time in tomorrow.
This week is going to be all about lying about in different comfortable spots with lots of delicious food.
The doors open directly into Max’s space, and I frown, wondering if I came to the right place. I put in the code Max gave me this morning, but the condo is…different.
Flameless candles flicker on either side of the foyer. Huge flower arrangements sit between them, on the tables, and down the hallway that leads to the open-concept kitchen and living areas.
The gas fireplace is lit, and red rose petals are sprinkled on the floor.
And Max is standing next to a massage table set up near the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“How was your afternoon?” he asks softly.
“Amazing.” I swallow hard. “What’s this?”
“A pony,” he says dryly, making me laugh. “This is why the massage wasn’t an option for you downstairs.” He holds out his hand for mine, then pulls me to him. He drags his fingertips down my cheek. “Your skin is so soft.”
“Tia gives the best facials in all fifty states,” I inform him. “Who’s giving me the massage?”
“Oh, you think the massage is for you?” he asks and kisses my cheek.
“You’re funny today.” I run my fingers through the soft hair at the back of his neck. “How
was your afternoon?”
“Good. I got some work done, and had this set up for when you got back.”
“It’s really pretty.”
“You’ve hardly looked at it.”
“You’re also really pretty,” I inform him. “And I’m grateful.”
With his eyes still pinned to mine, he slips his finger under the belt holding my robe closed.
“I see you like the robes.”
“I’m keeping this one.”
He tugs the knot free, and the robe falls open, exposing my naked body beneath.
“You’re dressed perfectly for a massage.”
I cock a brow. “Or, you know, other things.”
His lips twitch in that way they do as he pushes the robe over my shoulders, letting it pool around my feet.
“Why don’t you get on the table?” he asks quietly, kissing my nose. “And I’ll give you a massage while you watch the sunset.”
I look outside and gasp. I was so wrapped up in Max and how he makes me feel that I didn’t even notice the riot of orange and purple in the sky over the water.
“That’s gorgeous.”
“It pales in comparison to you,” he replies as he peels back the sheet and blanket, gesturing for me to lie down.
How can I refuse that?
I can’t.
So, I get cozy on the crisp, comfortable sheets, and rather than put my face in the cradle, I turn to the side so I can actually watch the sunset before me.
“This ranks up there as one of the best days ever,” I say as his hands run down my back on either side of my spine, then back up again, making me sigh happily.
“I’m glad,” he says. “Now, don’t judge me too harshly. I’m no professional.”
“This is so good.” I sigh as he digs into the area next to my shoulder blade.
“You have the softest skin,” he murmurs. “And a little freckle right here.”
“I don’t have freckles.” I can’t help but close my eyes and just enjoy what he’s doing to my body. That low hum of arousal is there as it always is when Max is within a mile of me, but I’m also so relaxed, hovering in that space between being fully awake and asleep.
It’s a good place to be.
“You have one,” he repeats, then covers my back with the blanket and moves down to my leg. He pays attention to my calf, then moves up to my thigh. To my surprise, he keeps going until his fingertips skim over the lips of my pussy, sending me from pleasantly relaxed to highly aroused instantly.
Waiting for Willa (The Big Sky Series Book 3) Page 15